MANILA – The Bacolod Master Sardines failed to stretch its winning run after suffering an 82-65 defeat against Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the 2019-2020 Chooks-to-Go/ Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Angeles University Foundation Gymnasium in Pampanga.
Boosted by the home crowd, the Giant Lanterns immediately created separation led by Michael Juico and Mark Cruz against the Master Sardines for a 30-14 advantage late in the first quarter.
Bacolod could not get any closer from there, as Pampanga went on to lead by as big as 25 points, 71-46, off two conversions by Larry Muyang from the stripe with 7:25 remaining in the game.
“Maganda kasi pumunta sa playoffs ng nanggagaling sa panalo. Kaya sabi ko sa mga players, ‘We develop our character going to the playoffs and that we want to have a winning attitude.’ ‘Yun ang ginagawa namin,” said Pampanga head coach Bong Ramos.
Cruz displayed his all-around game with 16 points, 12 assists and four rebounds to push Pampanga to the fifth spot in the North Division with a 20-9 win-loss record, overtaking the 19-9 Bataan.
The homegrown star Juico finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists while Jerick Fabian and Dexter Maiquez chipped in 12 points apiece.
Jess Mar Villahermosa spearheaded the Bacolodnons (10-18) with 17 points, while Ilonggo Yankee Haruna contributed 14 marks, six boards and two assists./PN
